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The Air Force last week unveiled changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment and a new fitness program that will soon apply to all Airmen across the total Air Force.
The new PFA reimplements the scored body-composition component using the current waist-to-height ratio program and introduces a 2-mile run.
Additionally, the updated scored components, to include body composition, and increased testing frequency introduce a more challenging physical fitness assessment to better gauge the fitness of the force, officials said.
Airmen will be required to take the PFA every six months regardless of their score.
“These fitness changes are about having a healthy, ready force prepared to meet today’s mission and the demands of the future fight,” said Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff. “The updated model reflects our high standards for fitness and ensures our Airmen have the tools they need to protect their long-term health.”
Beginning Jan. 1, the Air Force will pause all PFA testing to facilitate the transition to the updated program.
The service will then begin testing Airmen on the new PFA standards March 1, with the release and implementation of the revised AFMAN 36-2905.
From March 1 through Aug. 31, all fitness tests will be diagnostic to provide Airmen time to adapt to the new standards.
Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, the Air Force will resume official, scored testing under the new PFA standards.
All alternate exercises for cardiovascular, strength and endurance components remain an option for Airmen during their PFA; however, Airmen will be required to perform a two-mile run during at least one PFA every 365 days.
Active-Duty members can complete the body composition measurement up to five days before their PFA.
Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members may complete their body-composition component during their drill period prior to their PFA.
All members retain the option to take their body composition measurement during the PFA, but that is not mandatory.
In addition to the PFA updates, the Department of the Air Force is releasing The Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook, which is intended to reinforce the service’s efforts to ensure service members safely, healthily and effectively meet fitness and readiness standards.
It is also a resource to implement fitness and lifestyle management programs to include sleep and nutritional tips along with exercise and fitness guidance.
AFMAN 36-2905, The Warfighter’s Fitness Playbook and updated PFA scoring components can be found here.
The changes support the DAF’s “Culture of Fitness” officials announced Sept. 18.
—By John Goheen
